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THE Queen has visited her husband Prince Philip in hospital today where he celebrated his 92nd birthday recovering from exploratory surgery on his stomach.

Her Majesty visited the London Clinic just before 7pm local time, a few hours after their youngest son Prince Edward made a 20-minute visit.

Both were photographed entering the hospital carrying birthday cards addressed to "HRH the Duke of Edinburgh" in case there was any confusion as to whom they were visiting.

The visits, under police escort, came as it was revealed not only will the 87-year-old Queen’s consort stay in hospital for two weeks but he may drop out of public life for another two months to convalesce with his public engagements to be attended by other royals.

"His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is progressing according to plans at this early stage," a short statement from the palace said.

"He is comfortable and in good spirits. He will remain in hospital for up to two weeks, and it is expected he will then be taking a period of convalescence of approximately two months."

Prince Philip was admitted to hospital last Thursday for a pre-arranged laparotomy surgery under general anesthetic for an unknown stomach complaint apparently discovered during a routine medical test in the past fortnight. The results, to be analysed by his surgeons as well as royal doctor Professor John Cunningham, are expected by week’s end.

Dr Cunningham has been visiting the duke regularly and was on hand tonight to greet the Queen at the hospital for her 30 minute visit.

As part of birthday celebrations, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute at midday followed by another 62-round salvo from the Tower of London. Similar gun salutes were also fired from Edinburgh Castle in Scotland and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.

Prince Philip has been hospitalised four times in two years but this will be his longest stay.